An Interview With

Jenn Thorson, "The Thrift Shop Romantic

I must start out by saying I love your blog, "The Thrift Shop Romantic". What inspired you to start this site?

It seemed like the perfect chance for me to combine my two favorite hobbies-- writing, and decorating with thrift store and flea market finds. It was 2006, and I had just gotten settled in a home of my own, so I was in the process of a number of decorating projects-- and as a result, thrifted regularly for the things I needed. So it was a great way to share the projects I was working on, and also share the joys and surprises of thrift store shopping with folks who may not have realized the sorts of affordable, quality items you could uncover.

You have a section titled "Treasure Box Wednesday" on your blog where you share your latest finds. Do you have a particular leaning towards certain collectibles or are you open to picking up whatever catches your eye?

I have certain items I look for, which I know will fit well in my home-- like Victorian prints and postcards, portrait plates from the early 1900s and art nouveau/art deco pottery. But sometimes something old, odd and intriguing will catch my eye, and if it's inexpensive, I love to pick it up and do some research on it. With thrift stores in particular, its almost easier to go-with-the-flow and see what goodies pop up.

(I have to comment here, Jenn, that I love your mascot, "Jane Austen Bobblehead")

Did you always have a bend toward the Romantic style of decorating or did this naturally develop as a result of your interest in thrift shopping?

I've always enjoyed the Victorian/vintage romantic look. My great-aunt had a Victorian home, and I think the rich woodwork and stained glass windows, the comfy chairs and sense of welcome, were part of what spurred me on with my own home. But thrift stores do offer opportunities to add romantic touches really affordably. Whether it's textiles, vintage candlesticks, wall decor, or furniture that needs a little love... You just have to know what you like and how it will work together. Romantic decorating is very forgiving in some ways-- you can mix time periods and styles quite easily, as long as there's a common color palette or theme.

When you are looking for flea market finds, do you have favorite hangouts where you know from past experience that you will likely pick up something interesting?

I don't necessarily have specific flea market vendors I buy from, but I can usually glimpse over a table and have a pretty good idea of whether or not there might be a treasure lurking there for me. Sometimes it's a just a collection of the things in the booth itself... things from a particular time period or style that catches the eye. I love that, and I love the surprise of it all. You really just never know.

You mention in your profile that you have a preference for classic movies. When you look at classic movies, are you paying attention to the decor and the accessories used in the background setting for inspiration?

It's so funny you mention that because-- yes-- I can't help myself. I'm always eyeing up the decor in old films. I believe it's "The Big Sleep" with Bogey and Bacall that has some fascinating Chinese-influenced 40's decor. "Arsenic and Old Lace" is terrific for the heavy Victorian look. And in terms of newer films, I'm always fascinated by the 40's art deco feel to the hotel in the Cohen Brothers' "Barton Fink." I also love all the fringed early electric lamps in the character Doc's house in "Back To the Future." You can learn a lot about creating atmosphere and period decorating-- things that just look right together-- by paying attention to film sets.

I noticed you have a blog section for the outdoor area of your home. Since flowers play a large role in romantic decorating, do you have a cutting garden or plant perennials to use for flower arrangements inside your home? If so, do you have particular favorites that are easy to arrange and long lasting?

I'm fond of roses, lilacs and hydrangeas in particular for cut flowers, and I'm fortunate enough to have all three in my yard. I prefer to bring roses inside the house, as their pollen is larger and as a result, doesn't really trigger allergies. Sometimes, though, I'll just treat myself to a few flowers from our grocery store florist to have inside. It does add something to the room, and makes me happy to be home at the end of the day.

You have an interesting section on decorating projects. One of my goals on this site is to encourage people to explore and expand their creativity. Do you get much feedback from your readers who may have been encouraged to try new ideas and projects by reading and becoming inspired by your decorative painting ideas?

I've heard from a few readers who have considered doing woodburning projects as a result of the blog. I've also had a number of discussions with folks excited to see someone doing decoupage, which had been very big in both the Victorian era and the 1970s, but recently has been less popular. And, on the more whimsical side, I've had visitors fascinated by some of the quirky Marshmallow Peeps projects-- like the garland or the cardboard carousel. I did them simply because they made me laugh. Hopefully they've made others laugh, too.

I think it's important to try new projects. Not everything will work out, so it's important to forgive yourself for the mistakes. But that's how we learn.

When shopping at flea markets and yard sales, a lot of people are intimidated when it comes to asking for a better price. Are you apt to pay the asking price or do you think bargaining is part of the thrift shopping treasure hunt?

It really depends on if I think the price is fair. I try to know what I want to pay for things, and what they're currently going for. So, I think it's important to strike a balance between getting a good price, and letting the dealer make a living. Most of the time, the things I'm looking at aren't high-end items... But I do negotiate if I think we could come to a good agreement on it.

If you bargain, do you have any advice that you could give to people who are new to this activity and are just trying their hand into getting the best price available?

Simply ask, politely, if the dealer "can do any better on the price." Antique dealers in particular tend to expect this, and at antique malls often the cashiers at the front desk have instructions regarding the discount the vendor might be willing to do. At places like garage sales, folks do try these sort of negotiations, but honestly, the prices are often so inexpensive at yard sales that dickering between a quarter and ten cents really isn't a positive buying policy.

Thank you so much for your time, Jenn. I know my readers will thoroughly enjoy this interview and all the great tips for romantic style decorating and thrift shopping you've shared with them.

Thanks for asking, Gloria, and for the opportunity. It's always a joy to talk about a topic so near and dear to my heart.

--Visit the Thrift Shop Romantic blog

--Be sure to check out the project site

--And for something completely different, Jenn also runs a humor blog, "Of Cabbages and Kings" with original stories three times a week.